By Kevin Eikenberry

What is the best way to build my leadership skills? It is a question I hear often. It is an understandable question that comes from a great intention. And I hate the question. I don’t hate the intention behind it – in fact I love it. But the question itself? Not so much. Let me explain.

This question is like so many other questions that I frame as the desert island question – “If you could take only one book <insert something else in here if you like> to a desert island, what would it be?” The problem with the desert island question – is the fallacy of one.

What is the best way to build my leadership skills? The question implies there is one best answer, one magic pill. My short answer is:  there isn’t one best way, and it depends. That doesn’t make for a very satisfying or helpful blog post, so let’s dive in a bit further.

“The Best Way” is the Wrong Solution

The goal to “build my leadership skills” is admirable, and I’ve spent the better part of my life helping people do that. But there isn’t only one way. Here are some of the possibilities to consider:

  • Attend a workshop (virtual or in-person, inside or outside of your organization)
  • Attend a conference
  • Attend a webinar
  • Complete some eLearning (that you find or is internally available)
  • Read (or listen to) a book 
  • Read a blog
  • Listen to (or watch) a podcast
  • Watch a video
  • Find a mentor (internally or externally, a peer or someone who is more experienced than you)
  • Ask your team or leader for feedback (informally or through a 360 Assessment)
  • Get coaching (internally or externally)

The point is – there isn’t one solution. Your “best way” will likely be a combination of these options – and at some level – the more the better. Your goal is to look at that list and see what will best help you right now. What is available to you, what fits into your work and life? But now I am getting ahead of myself … 

Why Does it Depend?

In the end what is the best solution (or combination) for you depends on you. It depends on factors like:

  • Your specific needs
  • Your level of urgency to improve
  • Your learning style
  • What is readily available to you 

While these and more matter a lot – remember that the more specific you can be, the better. “Build my leadership skills” is pretty general.  Be a better coach, delegate more effectively, lead change more successfully – are all more specific and will help you “build your leadership skills” faster – and help you determine what your personal best way(s) to do that might be.

….

If you feel a workshop approach would be useful in your development as a leader,  Join us for the virtually delivered Bud to Boss Workshop. In just two hours a week seven weeks you can learn new skills (including how to give feedback effectively) and apply them as you learn. You can learn more and register here. 

 

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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